She suffered a miscarriage 10 weeks into her pregnancy. Something she said really struck me (and I hope she doesn't mind me posting it here). She said, "I was lucky because I attended Mass this morning, so my baby got that extra blessing before passing on."

Her faith is awe-inspiring.

I immediately wrote back and assured her of my prayers. I am also enlisting you wonderful readers. Please shoot up a prayer or two her way. She, her husband, and her daughter could surely use all love they can get as they wade through the coming months.

In fact, if I may, please keep all those who suffer miscarriages in your prayers. I know of at least two other women who have recently endured the pain of hearing such news. They and their families could all use support.

I'm going to post my reflection on miscarriage here. I know I've spoken of it in the past, but it never hurts to repost something of such significance. These cherished children the Lord blesses us with so briefly... they are meant for great things.

The pain of losing one (even before birth!) is palpable because for those of us lucky enough to carry life – even briefly – we carry within us the seed of divinity. The Breath of Life from the One who animates our mortal bodies takes root not just in our bodies, but in our souls. When that Breath returns to its Creator, we cannot help but mourn the loss of Divinity. We cannot help but mourn the loss of such invaluable treasure.But we don’t really lose these children, do we? Instead, we are given them briefly so we can gain them swiftly as saints. And maybe these little souls are given this choice, themselves, before conception. Maybe God allows them to foresee their role as intercessor and gives them the choice. Maybe He says, "Will you consent to sacrifice your life for the benefit of My Will? Will you sacrifice your earthly life so that you can help the family you leave behind make it to My Kingdom?"And those little saints – with the wisdom of Heaven unclouded by the stain of sin – jump at the chance to acknowledge and fulfill God’s Will. I truly believe they offer themselves to His Will for the benefit of their families. They are gathered into the arms of their guardian angels and rewarded with the perfect splendor of Heaven. And blessed are those with such radiant saints before the Throne of God. Blessed are those who mourn so acutely the same sorrow as Our Lady who mourned the loss of Her Beloved Son. I truly believe that God allows such significant loss specifically so families with special needs (either now or in the future) have their own patron saint to bring petitions before Him.

And I believe my friend is blessed to be able to see the Hand of God in this tragedy. Her faith is truly incredible to me. I am humbled and empowered by her example. May she and all those asked to endure this cross be gifted peace.

Please know your friend has the prayers of my family. I know of no pain greater than that of carrying a tiny infant in your womb, only to have them snatched up to heaven before you can hold them. It is true that she now has a little saint in heaven, and she never has to fear for her child as she will for her other daughter, and for whomever else God may send to her and her husband. Her babe in heaven will never know hunger, or pain, or fear, or cold.
But her pain as a mama is very very real as well. If she reads this, make sure she knows that her pain and her loss is very real. No one else may judge her pain, or belittle her loss. People will say stupid things; things they may think will help her to "get over" her loss. Try to forgive them, as they mean well, but maybe just don't have a clue. Do try to talk to your husband, as your spouse has also suffered the loss of a child. Allow each other to grieve, and safeguard each other. Don't apologise for your grief. It will abate over time, but will never disappear altogether. Keep your child close in your heart, and take solace in the thought that they will never experience the pain that you feel. They will never be sick, or subjected to the evils of the world. You have an advocate now on the lap of the Blessed Mother. They know you, they love you, and you will always be their Mama. They will be praying for you until the day you get to hold them in your arms in the glory of Heaven.
God bless.

Reply

Giselle Santos

1/8/2013 09:33:55 am

http://www.desicomments.com/dc2/02/180873/180873.gif

Spiritual bouquet for all the families out there forced to give up their baby saints too soon.

Reply

NP

1/8/2013 10:42:27 am

I'm the friend that Gina posted this for, and I just wanted to say thank you to all of your for your prayers and kind words. As with most sad situations, I've gotten much welcome kindness from strangers and surprising ignorance from some close to me. I've embraced the kindness and done my best to forgive (or for now, just forget) the ignorance. The one thing I know for certain is that my baby is safe, secure and whole with God and so much better off and that can give me some peace of mind.